Massage Therapist Saves a Life!

Massage therapy is well-known for its numerous benefits, ranging from physical relaxation to emotional well-being. However, there are moments when a massage goes beyond its conventional role and becomes a true lifesaver. Such was the case when a massage therapist discovered a melanoma on the foot of her husband, an athletic firefighter. This unexpected find in an unlikely location ultimately saved his life.

The massage therapist in question had embarked on her career in massage therapy 15 years ago, following years of working as a para-medical professional in mainstream and complementary medicine. With 19 years of experience as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), she had already performed life-saving maneuvers and CPR in her volunteer work. Little did she know that her skills would be put to the test in a completely different way.

While providing her husband with a relaxing massage, she noticed an unusual mark on the bottom arch of his right foot. It turned out to be a melanoma—a form of skin cancer. The discovery was incredibly fortuitous, as melanomas are typically not expected to appear in such inconspicuous areas. Promptly seeking medical attention, her husband underwent several surgeries and precautionary procedures to ensure the melanoma had not spread to his lymphatic system.

The experience proved to be a valuable lesson for the massage therapist, who, like many others in her field, constantly pursues continuing education to keep her licensure current. However, the knowledge she gained from accompanying her husband to the hospital was truly invaluable. During their visit to UW Hospital in Seattle, they learned from Sydney R. Lillard, MD, the surgeon overseeing her husband's case, that swelling of the supraclavicular lymph nodes is often the first sign of a problem within the lymphatic system.

Massage therapists often spend a significant amount of time working in the neck and shoulder area, which encompasses the supraclavicular lymph nodes. Dr. Lillard emphasized that any swelling or nodules in the lymph nodes should be thoroughly examined by a physician, as they may indicate an underlying health issue. She also stressed that melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, even in areas that have not been directly exposed to the sun or have been previously injured.

Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can be curable if detected and treated early. However, if left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and become challenging to treat, potentially leading to fatalities. According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma causes the most deaths among skin cancers, with thousands of fatalities projected annually.

Melanoma originates in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing the pigment melanin that colors our skin, hair, and eyes. While most melanomas are black or brown, they can also appear in various other colors. In the case of the massage therapist's husband, the melanoma had a dark purplish-brown hue, resembling a blood blister that had rapidly changed and developed irregular borders.

To ensure that the melanoma had not spread, doctors performed a procedure called Lymphoscintigraphy, which involved mapping the lymph nodes near the affected area. Following this, the patient underwent surgical resection of the melanoma and received a skin graft.

It is important to note that everyone is at some risk for melanoma, but certain factors can increase the likelihood. These include sun exposure, the number of moles on the skin, skin type, and family history. Therefore, it is crucial to be vigilant and watch for potential warning signs of melanoma, such as changes in moles, bleeding from moles or skin growths, irregular borders and shapes of moles, and swelling of the supraclavicular lymph nodes. Regularly checking the skin for changes and using sunscreen diligently are also essential preventive measures.

The massage therapist, who takes her responsibility very seriously, has even gone as far as scheduling appointments for her clients when she notices suspicious marks during massages. She follows up with a letter to their primary doctors and the clients themselves. While she has always been dedicated to her profession, she never anticipated that she would have to play the role of a vigilant advocate for a family member.

This remarkable story highlights the potential for unexpected discoveries and life-saving interventions that can occur during a routine massage. It serves as a reminder of the importance of regular health check-ups, early detection, and the value of a skilled and attentive massage therapist.